Former East Carbon residents capture world championship in cutter and chariot racing

Former East Carbon residents, Jim Padgett Sr. and Jr., recently captured the world championship in cutter and chariot racing. The event was held March 31 in Ogden with teams from across the world competing. Padgett racing took home the title after winning the first division with the fastest time of the day. The five day event proved to be successful for the Padgett's who have been working toward this dream for years.

"This is the greatest thing in the world," explained an excited Jim Padgett Jr. "My dad has been here every year since 1976 trying to win the 'big' one. We bought these horses three years ago to do just what we die, win!"

Chariot racing and training flat track race horses have been a part of the elder Padgett's life. The sport in which the family loves so much has become a way of life for the championship team. In fact, even the horses are world champions. The two horses, Niftyanthrifty and Apologist were awarded the High Point Champion Aged Gelding Chariot Horse award given by the American Quarter Horse Association.

What once was only a dream, has become a reality for two former Carbon County residents.